DESCRAMBLE project

DESCRAMBLE has developed novel drilling technologies for a proof-of-concept test of reaching deep geothermal supercritical resources. It has drilled and tested the continental-crust condition for demonstrating novel drilling techniques, the control of gas emissions and high temperature/pressure conditions expected from the deep fluids.
DESCRAMBLE has also improved knowledge of deep chemical-physical conditions for predicting and controlling future drilling conditions. The test site has been an existing dry well in Larderello, Italy, already drilled to a depth of 2.2 km and temperature of 350 °C, which was deepened to 2.9 km depth reaching supercritical conditions.
The productivity and efficiency of the project were ensured by the combination of industrial and research participation and by the recognized expertise of the consortium in geothermal R&D as well as oil and gas drilling, combining excellence in both sectors is meant to drill in continental-crust, super-critical geothermal reservoir, to test and demonstrate novel drilling techniques to control gas emissions, the aggressive environment and the high temperature/pressure expected from deep fluids and to characterize the chemical and thermo-physical condition.

News and updates

Newsflash #3: Meet us at GeoTHERM - 1-2 March 2018 Read more ...

Newsflash #2: Big fire in the forest Read more ...

Newsflash #1: Temperature at 2500m Read more ...

Press Release #1: from EU Geothermal research Read more ...

Coming soon Read more ...

Actual status, project updates Read more ...

Location

The experiment site is in the Larderello area, Tuscany (Italy).
This choice is motivated by various factors:
The site has been used for geothermal energy exploitation for over 100 years, consequently large amounts of data and experience have been gathered, and there is a well-developed infrastructure in place. Both of which will reduce the cost related to drilling and exploration.
The combination of shallow depth for super-critical conditions and the possibility to deepen an existing well reduces the cost of drilling and focuses the project on drilling into formations with super-critical conditions and its related challenges.
Experience from the nearby wells, combined with seismic investigations gives a high probability of reaching the drilling target.
The site is representative of deep conditions in continental crust, the most common condition in Europe. Indeed, the expertise gained from drilling in super-critical reservoirs in Larderello is not limited to the specific location. There are “deep, super-critical geothermal reservoirs” in several countries in Europe and the rest of the world, at greater, but still drillable, depths.

Videos

Air gun operating into the pool for VSP zero offset data acquisition
Vibroseis at remote location (site 2a) in operation
Production test @ Venelle well 06/05/2017
Time lapse: Work at Venelle well drilling pad 02/03/2017
ENEL Descramble Timelapse 03